Sporty Outfitter - Jay Deal

Jay Deal, a team sales specialist and sole proprietor of Sport Deal Co., says personalized service is one reason customers are attracted to his business.

Since September of 1986, Deal has been selling sportswear and trophies to local teams and organizations.

Cheerleading squads and softball teams are his most frequent customers.

Deal buys the garments and uses silk screens, embroidery and other designing techniques to decorate the jackets, sweatsuits and T-shirts for teams, though he also does individual sales.

Going into business had always been Deal's ambition, and operating out of his home is a convenient way of making extra money, he says.

"I needed a supplement job," says the new father. "This is a lot easier than part-time." He works full-time as an assistant manager at the Athletic Outlet in Williamsburg.

The more recent addition to his family - which consists of a mother, father, sister and wife - is his newborn daughter, Heather Nicole.

Deal says family support is also important to the success of a business. His sister helps him do presentations and his wife, a specialist in the secretarial field, helps him prepare letters and press releases.

He says seeing his own baby come into this world is the greatest thing that has ever happened to him. And the second greatest thing is a recent magazine article in New Business Opportunities, a California-based magazine.

According to Deal, the first step toward developing a business is outlining a plan. He also recommends home-based businesses for beginning entrepreneurs. He does his own accounting and uses sales flyers and appointment setting to reach his target market.

On the other side of the businessman is the citizen. He works closely with the York County Recreation Department and coaches the little league teams `The Jazz" and "The Mighty Mights." His hobby is photography.

Deal says he likes organized people and most admires former President, Ronald Reagan.

He applaudes the president efforts with the Russian Peace Treaty and says he most values freedom.

Anyone interested in Sport Deal Co. services may contact Jay Deal at 890-0040 or 105 Farmstead Place in Grafton.